Is it really necessary to end every prayer by mentioning the name of Jesus? Are phrases like these required: “In the name of Jesus Christ” or “in Jesus Christ’s name” or “in Christ’s name we pray” or any number of variations of invoking the name of Jesus?

Years ago, as a seminary intern, I worked with a seasoned chaplain. She gently comforted patients by reading Scripture and praying with them, always concluding with the phrase "in the name of Jesus." At one point, I questioned the necessity of using this phrase, wondering aloud if a simple "Amen" would suffice. She bristled at my question and explained that using the phrase "in the name of Jesus" identified her prayer as a Christian prayer, and by claiming Jesus’ authority, she was ensuring God's attention.

But her response still left me with unanswered questions. I wondered if it was true that every prayer must end with a phrase calling on Jesus' name in order for it to be a “Christian” prayer. What is the significance of such a phrase? And is it really required to get God’s attention? The short answer is no, we aren't required to use this phrase when we pray. Join me to explore why people choose to use this phrase, what it means, and how there is ultimately no right way to pray.

Unwritten rules

As I pondered my colleagues’ response, I considered how prayer is about sharing your heart with God—sharing your joys and praise, your fears and sorrows. Is there really only one right way for a Christian to pray? It got me thinking about other unwritten rules we follow when we pray, and this raised even more questions for me:

Does God listen to my prayers if I don’t have my head bowed, eyes closed, or hands folded on my lap?

Do I have to say “Amen” at the end of my prayer?

When I say “in the name of Jesus” at the end of my prayer, am I just rattling off a phrase out of habit, or is there true meaning in it?

Am I using "in the name of Jesus" like some sort of magical phrase to make sure God is listening to me?

What does Jesus say?

These questions led me to ask myself, “What does Jesus say about this?” After reviewing the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4), I found that Jesus doesn’t instruct us to end this prayer with “in Jesus’ name.” And this is the most well-known and memorized of all Christian prayers: the one Jesus used to teach his disciples how to pray. Many other prayers found in the Psalms and the New Testament also omit it.

However, Jesus does reference the power of invoking his name in prayer in other passages:

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it (John 14:13-14).

Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete (John 16:23-24).

Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them (Matthew 18:19-20).

Getting God’s attention or obligating God?

It is clear that Jesus does invite us, as my chaplaincy mentor emphasized, to approach God confidently in his name. And because of this, we are not just throwing our words into the void; we are speaking with the authority that comes from being united with Jesus. We have this gift regardless of how we end our prayers. Invoking Jesus’ name affirms that our prayers are rooted in Christ, but if we choose not to say it, it does not lessen our confidence that God listens. And Jesus, in Matthew 6:6, talks about the importance of praying sincerely, even if it's in private, without any fancy words. So, while adding "in the name of Jesus" can be comforting for some, what really matters is our connection with God through Jesus Christ.

However, some have mistakenly believed that this authority means that God is somehow obligated to give us whatever we want, as long as we use a phrase with some form of “in Jesus’ name.” While God does want us to bring all our needs and concerns to him—and while we absolutely can and do experience his miracles—we must remember that God is God, and we are not. We cannot manipulate God by using a particular phrase or by praying a particular way. When you think about it, if God simply gave us everything we asked for in Jesus’ name, it would seem like we’re God and he must obey us. That’s not how our relationship with God works.

Submitting to God’s will

Rather, the phrase “in the name of Jesus” is about aligning hopes, faith, and life with Jesus’ character, authority, and will. We pray with a heart inclined towards understanding, seeking, and submitting to God’s will. Ultimately, it signifies our secure identity and relationship with Christ.

Jesus prayed boldly to the Father before he faced the cross, yet ultimately surrendered to God’s will, saying, “Not my will but yours be done.” That’s what praying in Jesus’ name is all about: following Jesus by submitting to God’s will…whether or not we say the words.

No right way to pray

If adding the phrase “in Jesus’ name” helps you remember your utter dependence on Jesus Christ when you are praying, then by all means, say it. But know that it is not required. God hears your prayers because he loves to listen to his children, not because we say exactly the right thing, in the right way, and at the right time. That is the gift of prayer; there is no single right way to do it. God listens even when all we can do is utter the groans of our hearts (Romans 8:26-27).

Whether you choose to include “in the name of Jesus” in every prayer or just some of the time, never forget Jesus’ sacrificial love for you and the transformative impact it has on your relationship with God.

If you want to read more about why we are invited to pray in Jesus's name, click here: Praying in the Name of Jesus.